MICHAEL Walkey of Mud Sweat n Gears shone as he managed an impressive fifth place in the newly-organised Sixpenny Handley Road Race.

The Bridport-based rider joined the Mud Sweat n Gears race team mid-season after impressing during the Moreton Road Race series.

Team manager Darren Orchard said: “It was when one of our riders started chatting to Micheal at Moreton, that we realised he did not have a club to ride for, and had not been approached by any other club, for us this was not only a surprise but a real opportunity as he is obviously a strong and talented cyclist with bags of potential.”

Walkey managed promotion to a category three rider this year and, even though it would be very hard for him to reach the next promotion this season, it is on his radar for next year.

Even though Walkey was happy with his fifth place finish he said: “I found this race easier than some I have ridden this year, and, to be honest, I am a little disappointed to have not finished in a little better.”

On the same weekend, team manager, Orchard was racing the 20th annual Glenn Longland two-day event near Ringwood, along with other team members first-team coach Phillip Cole and Jon Brumfield.

The demanding event consisted of a hill climb and road race on the Saturday followed by a time trial on the Sunday.

Cole did best of the three in the hill climb with Brumfield only four seconds behind.

Unfortunately the road race did not go well for Cole, and Brumfield punctured causing an early retirement. Orchard managed to stay in and help drive his group to finish only one minute behind the winners of the road race placing in the top 15.

The time trial was the biggest surprise for the club riders, as Orchard managed to compete on a road bike to take 13th place, beating many with time trial specific bikes.

Overall, Orchard managed 12th position at the event and said: “It’s a great end to the season, in which I’ve had some real ups and downs, but it has already made me think how best to direct my training for next season.”

If your interested in road racing, mountain bike racing, cyclo-cross or track racing and would like to know more about the team, then contact Mud, Sweat n Gears on 260202 or 784849.